2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom "The large driver-oriented grand tourer"

The large driver-oriented grand tourer is powered by the company's 6.75-liter V12 that produces 453 horsepower, 531 pound-feet of torque -- with nearly 400 lb-ft, or 75 percent, available at just 1,000 rpm -- and has segment-leading fuel economy thanks to modern technology such as direct injection and variable valve and camshaft control. A 25 percent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead Coupe, adds significant driving range. Electronic driving aids are integrated into the car's anti-lock braking and traction control system to ensure the behemoth is never out of shape.

At the core of the Phantom Coupe is an aluminum chassis. The lightweight unibody structure is hand made, requiring over 430 feet of welding.

The Phantom Coupe features rear-hinged coach doors which add considerably to the ease of access to the rear seats as well as to the overall aesthetics. According to the automaker, they also aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar helping to make this the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and hood, as seen first on 100EX Concept, is also available for the Coupe.

The Drophead's Picnic Boot, a split opening tailgate trunk, is likewise retained. A choice of three 21-inch wheel styles is available at no additional cost.

"Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style," Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said. "The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupe takes it one step further."

Base Price: $400,000

Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Curb Weight (lbs): 5776

City (MPG): 11

Hwy (MPG): 18

Horsepower: 453 @ 5350

Torque (lb-ft): 531 @ 3500

Wheelbase (in.): 130.7

Length (in.): 220.8

Width (in.): 78.2

Height (in.): 62.7

2009 BMW 750Li

The new 750i is powered by BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which first appeared under the hood of the new X6. Rated at 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, the engine will be the only one powering the two U.S.-bound models, the 750i and the 750Li, with a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer than the previous model. The 6.0-liter V12 of the outgoing model, rated at 438hp and 444lb-ft., has been dropped. European models also get a 3.0-liter twin turbo diesel delivering 242 hp and 399 lb-ft and the familiar twin-turbo gasoline 3.0-liter inline-six upgraded to 323 hp and 332 lb-ft. A six-speed automatic transmission will be mated to the V8 engine, with the shifter moved from the steering column back to the center console.

The new 7er will roll on 18-inch alloy wheels shod in all-season run-flat tires in a 245/50R18 size. Two styles of 19-inch wheels with performance-oriented rubber will be optional.

Weight-saving measures have shaved about 120 lbs thanks largely to increased use of aluminum in the body as compared to the previous generation car despite the new car carrying more standard equipment. Another detail change meant to improve fuel consumption by reducing drag is a flap in the grille that eliminates unneeded airflow.

Four-wheel steering will be included on the 7-Series option list, with an all-wheel drive option slated to be offered in a few years. The rear wheels will turn in the opposite direction as the front ones at speeds below 35mph, and will turn up to three degrees in the same direction as speeds climb above that.

A new active chassis management system BMW calls IMS will give users the choice of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus settings, changing settings such as shock settings, steering effort, gear change speed and smoothness, and the sensitivity of the stability control system.

A new night vision system promises to increase safety for pedestrians. The new system will be able to detect human presence in front of the vehicle and then flash a warning symbol on the display. Moreover, the system will be able to tell if a pedestrian is in the road or safely on the sidewalk, although it's not clear how the system can differentiate the two.



The new system is so advanced, it's also able to read speed limit signs and warn drivers when they are driving too fast. However, this feature will only be available in Europe for the time being. A lane departure warning system will notify drivers of cars in their blind spots via a vibrating steering wheel and a message on the dashboard-mounted screen, which now grows to 10.2 inches from 8.8.

The big BMW will also be keeping an eye on your speed during inclement weather. The camera can detect fog or rain, and will warn drivers when they are approaching an unsafe speed. Despite the warning, the system has no control over the speed of the vehicle so those with lead feet need not worry.

The 2009 7-series will be available for purchase in European showrooms starting this November, although prices have not been announced, with BMW saying only they will stay close to current levels. In the U.S., the car will debut at the Los Angeles International Autoshow in November before arriving at dealers in the spring of 2009.

2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed "Nothing exceeds like excess"

Introduction

In the spirit of "Nothing exceeds like excess," Bentley has introduced the 2009 Continental Flying Spur Speed, a more athletic and extravagantly appointed variant of the four-door Continental Flying Spur. Priced around $218,000, the Speed adds about $27,000 on top of the "regular" Flying Spur's price tag. In the game of ultraluxury one-upmanship, this new Bentley is charging out of the gates.

For the extra coin, buyers receive more power and sharper handling. The Flying Spur Speed generates 600 horsepower (47 hp more than the standard Flying Spur), thanks to lightweight lower-friction engine components and a new engine management system. Cornering prowess has been advanced thanks to a lower ride height, higher-performance Pirelli P Zero tires and a stiffer suspension. The Speed also receives subtle external styling cues to differentiate it from the Flying Spur, with dark-tinted chrome grilles and wider sports exhaust tailpipes. The exhaust is also tuned for a more sporty growl.

At the lofty, narrow end of the luxury car spectrum, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed slots in above the more agile Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. Both are drivers' cars, but the Bentley bests the Benz in terms of sheer opulence and prestige. Also included in this exclusive group are the Maybach 57 and Rolls-Royce Phantom, but these modern limousines lack the Speed's performance and are significantly more expensive. Given that all of these ultraluxury sedans feature the best of German engineering, there is really no loser among them, leaving a buyer's decision down to which interpretation of luxury is preferred.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is a high-performance ultraluxury sedan that is offered in one very well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 20-inch wheels; an adjustable air suspension; bi-xenon headlamps; four-zone automatic climate control; heated rear seats with lumbar massage; 16-way power front seats with heating, cooling and lumbar massage; keyless ignition and entry; a sunroof and "Speed" scuff plates on each doorsill. Also standard are a 12-speaker sound system with a six-CD changer, satellite radio, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and diamond-quilted leather upholstery that requires a herd-thinning 11 cowhides.

In addition to the above-listed features, the Flying Spur Speed also incorporates items from the Flying Spur's Mulliner Driving Specification package, which includes contrasting stitching, nostalgic seat piping, drilled alloy sport pedals, a rear seat refrigerated bottle cooler and lamb's-wool carpeting.

Options include power-adjustable rear seats with a full rear center console, a three-passenger rear seat, a rear seat entertainment system with dual screens, flip-down wooden picnic tables for rear passengers, a heated steering wheel, a back-up camera, a power opening and closing trunk, adaptive cruise control, a 15-speaker Naim sound system and iPod integration.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 that produces an astounding 600 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. Just as impressive as the output numbers is the fact that peak torque is reached at an incredibly low 1,750 rpm. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. These features, along with the Speed's all-wheel-drive system, combine to propel all 5,379 pounds of this Bentley to 60 mph in a scant 4.6 seconds. Equally impressive is the top speed of 200 mph.

Safety

Taking into account the considerable performance, safety equipment is fittingly formidable. Bentley equipped the 2009 Continental Flying Spur Speed with a full complement of safety features that include side and side curtain airbags for front and rear seats and a rear passenger sensing system that automatically raises the headrests to ensure the best possible protection against whiplash injuries. Antilock brakes and stability control are also standard. Carbon ceramic brakes are available as an option.

Interior Design and Special Features

The Continental Flying Spur Speed's leather-and-lumber-lined cabin won't win any awards from environmentalists or animal rights activists, but it's still one of the most exquisitely constructed automotive interiors on the market today. There's a charming old-world feel to the whole affair, highlighted by push-pull vent controls, a Breitling timepiece, and switches and levers constructed of real metal. Unfortunately, the infotainment system is old-world as well -- it's a bit dated, and it shows in the undersized display screen and nonintuitive interface. The rear seats lack the adjustment and advanced features (such as cooling) available in competing sedans. Rear legroom, too, is comparatively scarce.

Driving Impressions

With sharper handling and more power, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed outperforms the already impressive standard Flying Spur in every way. It delivers the sensation of low-level flight rather than cruising down a long stretch of highway, thanks to its road-smoothing suspension and nearly silent cabin. Improbably, it also tackles back-road curves like a much smaller car.

2009 Audi A8 L "A full size luxury car"

Introduction

A full-size luxury car is to a millionaire's driveway as a designer handbag is to a socialite's arm. While both serve a practical purpose, the appeal of such trappings of wealth goes far beyond functionality. Some well-heeled consumers subscribe to the "louder is better" school of thought -- and for them, there are plenty of luxury sedans that scream prestige like overexposed couture labels dripping with gold hardware and signature plaid. But for those who prefer a more understated aesthetic, the 2009 Audi A8 is a compelling proposition, even if it won't necessarily raise as many eyebrows in the country club parking lot.

As ever, this full-size luxury sedan features an impeccably finished cabin, refined acceleration and polished road manners. Audi's adaptive air suspension handles both freeway cruises and twisty back roads with aplomb, and unlike its main competitors, the A8 features standard all-wheel drive. The Audi's restrained exterior styling is another strong point, we think, striking a sweet balance between muscularity and elegance. Yet the A8 still lags in sales behind its competitors, the BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 460 and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and that isn't because it's more expensive. In fact, the 2009 Audi A8 is a couple grand shy of its BMW equivalent and nearly $9,000 less than the Benz.

The A8 probably owes those underwhelming sales numbers to its slight but undeniable lack of cachet compared with its chief German rivals, as well as its inability to compete with the LS 460's sterling reputation for quality. But other than these perceived deficiencies, the A8 is top-notch. It moves out smartly, handles confidently and coddles its occupants with luxury and style. If you're in the market for a full-size luxury sedan and don't mind being a bit unconventional, the A8 is certainly worth a close look.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2009 Audi A8 comes in three trims: base, L and L W12. (The "L" stands for long wheelbase, which provides increased rear legroom.) The base and L models come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, a sunroof, Audi's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system, a navigation system, cruise control, leather upholstery, 16-way power front seats, heated front and rear seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a parking system with a rearview camera, keyless ignition/entry, a power trunk opener, power door closers, Bluetooth and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound audio system with satellite radio, iPod connectivity and a CD changer. The L W12 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and adds four-zone climate control, ventilated/massaging front seats, four-way lumbar adjustment for all passengers, an Alcantara headliner and a wood steering wheel. Most of the L W12's standard features are available on lesser A8s.

Options include 20-inch wheels, a solar-powered venting sunroof, upgraded leather interior trim, a 1,000-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system and a Technology Package that adds adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a blind-spot warning system. The L W12 can also be outfitted with a personal refrigerator.

Powertrains and Performance

Both the base and L models come with a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 350 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The L W12 model boasts a 6.0-liter 12-cylinder engine that makes 450 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. Known as the W12, this engine can be thought of as two narrow-angle V6 engines joined at the crankshaft, making it more compact than a conventional V12. Both engines are matched to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that drives all four wheels through Audi's Quattro AWD system.

With either engine, this is a quick luxury sedan. The base version can hit 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and cover the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds, while the W12 betters those stats by about a half second in each case. Fuel economy for the base and L models is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined. The L W12 achieves 13/19/15 mpg.

Safety

Standard on all 2009 Audi A8s are antilock brakes, stability and traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, front- and rear-seat side airbags and active front headrests.

Interior Design and Special Features

The interior of the A8 provides first-class comfort, especially in the L version, which boasts a limolike 42 inches of rear legroom. In typical Audi fashion, the fit and finish is superb, with generous amounts of wood, Alcantara and aluminum accents lending a luxurious ambience.

With a 16-way power-adjustable driver seat (including upper seatback angle) and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, finding a comfortable driving position is easy for folks of all body types. The dash is uncluttered by buttons thanks to Audi's MMI, which handles everything from the navigation and audio systems to the adjustment of the driver-selectable air suspension. And unlike BMW's iDrive, MMI doesn't require a Ph.D. in rocket science to operate, though cycling through the network of menus remains a labor-intensive process.

Driving Impressions

Whether taking off from a stoplight or jetting up to cruising speed on the freeway, any version of the 2009 Audi A8 always puts a solid rush of power on tap. Moreover, the powerful and easily modulated brakes have no problem reining in this luxury liner. While the air suspension works just fine in automatic mode, the "Dynamic" setting tightens up body control considerably, making the A8 feel more like a sport sedan than a large flagship luxury car.